Excitement was in the air-- you could easily feel it. It was opening day of the annual Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville. The Music City Center was buzzing with a parade of designers, decorators, collectors, and assorted home fashions’ aficionados. Much like the opening of the Kentucky Derby, the attendees were ready to run, all in hopes of claiming the ultimate treasure before any other.
As I stood among this long line of hopefuls waiting for the doors to open, I thought to myself, “This is absolutely nuts!”-Without having to stretch one’s ear, conversations of desired purchases, current projects, and local gossip could easily be overheard. One could only silently snicker and wait.
The clock struck and the gate opened. The cavalcade began. I entered the designated convention hall and stopped dead in my tracks……it was simply stunning! Such unbelievable displays abounded! Before me was the very definition of the power of presentation. I am sure my eyes were big and my heart racing.
This show is truly one of the best for blending 2 disparate goods: antiques and flowers. In reality, it makes a beautiful marriage. The various dealers’ vignettes were justification of this. This year’s assortment was quite diverse in style: from early Baroque to Mid-Century Modern. Scattered among the vignettes were incredible garden displays and floral sculptures. Each a fantasy created, in detail, by a master of the industry. Wow. Simply Wow.
As I roamed the aisles soaking in this plethora of creativity, my eyes would occasionally affix to a display with intrigue. One such was a booth selling only seeds, while another (Peony’s Envy) sold, well….nothing but peonies. In the dead of the winter, this was like a spark of sunshine. I roamed on.
Another treat of this particular show is the list of guest speakers. This year included interior designer extraordinaire, Alexa Hampton. Having had the pleasure of working with her late father, Mark Hampton, I knew I was in for a treat. I wasn’t disappointed.
In addition, famed Academy Award Actress, Diane Keaton, would be sharing her passion on architecture, gardens, and interior design. I made certain I would be among the cast of lucky listeners. The audience laughed, sighed, and cooed as Diane Keaton recounted various chapters in her life. I was amazed by her immense interest in design and detail. One could see the glitter in her eyes as she described her journey of home remodeling. This was a passion, not just a means to an end.
Her closing remarks included the words spoken to her by her childhood piano instructor:“MaKe work play”. I smiled. How very true, indeed. I feel very fortunate in life to have been able to follow my passion of design. For me, life’s pleasure is my work. For that, I am most grateful.
This was a Moment in America.
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